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Mike Kelley Obituary
South Pasadena Police Sgt. Robert Bartl said Kelley was found at his home and it appeared he had committed suicide Tuesday, without providing further information on the artist's death. An autopsy was pending.
"Kelley's work in the 1980s was part of how one defined the Los Angeles arts scene. He had a remarkable ability to fuse distinction between fine and popular art in ways that managed to perturb our sense of decorum," said Stephanie Barron, senior curator of modern art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
A family friend who was concerned about Kelley went to his home and called 911, Bartl said.
The friend told investigators that Kelley had been depressed because he had recently broken up with his girlfriend, but no note was found, Bartl said.
"Mike was an irresistible force in contemporary art. ... We cannot believe he is gone. But we know his legacy will continue to touch and challenge anyone who crosses its path. We will miss him. We will keep him with us," Kelley's studio said in a statement that the Los Angeles Times published on its website.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
11 Entries
Harry Simpson
January 31, 2018
Godspeed Mike....
Joe Martin
April 4, 2012
All his growing-up, hometown friends in Westland, MI will never forget him...
chris sullivan
February 15, 2012
Thank you Mike for all of your work, and all you taught me as a teacher, but more importantly as an artist. You made me understand that powerful work is delicate and flawed, ugly, hurtful, and beautiful. to quote one of your works. you have given us "more love hours than could ever be repayed".you are a monkey who has it's own table. love chris sullivan
Kelly Reed
February 11, 2012
Was this his final art project to remind us that life itself has no limits except this one. Art will never be the same and Mike will remain in the hearts of those he grew up with. Dean S, John R, Cari and others will always remember Mikes funloving spirit.
How you can show support
February 11, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. Daniel 12:2 offers hope for those we have lost to death. It says, And there will be many of those asleep in the ground of dust who will wake up, these indefinitely lasting life.
Hilda
February 5, 2012
My condolence to the family. May the God of all comfort bind your broken hearts.
Psalms 147:3
Robin
February 4, 2012
His life was well-lived and his loss leaves a great void in contemporary art. I am forever grateful for his consistent and active support of the work of Öyvind Fahlström.
Sharon Avery-Fahlsröm,
President
The Öyvind Fahlström Foundation
Terry
February 3, 2012
Mr. Kelly,you made the world a better place. Thank you for being a positive force. A fan, Terry
Patricia
February 2, 2012
Peace.
February 2, 2012
My sincere sympathies to the Kelley family, friends and fans. Psalm 146:5, 9.
T B
February 2, 2012
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
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